"When the weather gets warm, locals flock to Yeouido Park to cool down by the breezy Han River. The park becomes even more of a magnet from March through October, when it hosts the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market on Friday and Saturday evenings. In addition to craft vendors, there’s a Food Truck Zone where dozens of vehicles line up to sell sweet and savory treats from around the world. Once you’ve selected your dinner, spread out a blanket on the lawn and enjoy a picnic alongside live music and entertainment. The surrounding roads are jammed with traffic on market nights, so plan to arrive by subway and disembark at Yeouinaru Station."

"One of the city’s oldest covered markets, Gwangjang is also its largest, with more than 1,500 vendors hawking textiles, handicrafts, and clothing. The real highlight, however, is the food court on the ground floor, where dozens of stalls dish up everything from steaming seafood soups and grilled meats to mandu (dumplings) and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes). Most of the items are accompanied by free banchan (side dishes), so you’ll want to pull up a plastic stool and join the locals. If menus are only available in Korean, simply point to the dishes you want. With such cheap prices, there’s no harm in indulging."

"Seoul is a city built on innovation and commerce. Combine the two and you get Common Ground, the world’s largest container shopping mall. Developed by the design firm Urbantainer, the project wasintended to revitalize unused land in the Gwangjin neighborhood. Now, 200 stacked, prefab blue containers stand on the site, helping connect the community with creativity. Independent boutiques in the Street Market and Market Hall areas lure shoppers, while gourmands head to the terrace restaurants and food trucks in the courtyard. A never-ending lineup of events is also on offer, from DJ nights and performances by emerging musicians to pop culture exhibits sponsored by Toy Republic."

"Mask Sheet Shopping in Myeongdong If you don’t know that Korean beauty products are the Next Big Thing, chances are you’ve been living under a rock, you’re a non-Korean man, and/or you’re over age 50. For everyone else, K-Beauty is an of-the-moment trend that’s popping up everywhere from international cities like New York and Hong Kong , to the beauty section of Target in small Midwestern towns. Needless to say, it’s everywhere. So of course it’s big business in Korea’s capital, where the streets of buzzy Myeongdong hum with a thousand beauty stores. Perhaps the most popular of all the products are mask sheets, made with ingredients to make one’s skin firmer, more moisturized, whiter, cleaner…you name it. Perhaps the best place to look for one’s ideal mask sheet is aptly named, Mask Sheet Story, a store that sells—you guessed it. Myeongdong Shopping Street"

"Going Back to Nature in Seoul Excitable employees hawk two-for-one creams and thrust shopping baskets at unsuspecting passersby, but their annoying antics don’t diminish the fact that Nature Republic is one of Korea’s most popular skin and beauty stores. Purveying candy colored packaging, and everything from snail solution mask sheets to Madagascan baobab tree facial moisturizing mist, Nature Republic prides itself on using all natural ingredients from around the world. In addition to the skincare products, there’s also haircare and makeup. The “Lemon Foot & Nature Peeling Foot Mask” is a not-to-be-missed purchase. 52, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu"

"Shopping at the Korean Sephora K-Beauty is big business, and Olive Young, one of Korea’s most popular beauty shops purveys products not only from Korea, but France, the US, and Japan among many other locales. This cavernous emporium sells lip balms, nose hair scissors and everything in between. A visit to this buzzing temple of beauty is never a dull moment, as fresh-faced Koreans pour over myriad products promising to whiten and brighten, moisturize and de-frizz. At the hopping Myeongdong location, shoppers can experiment with cosmetics in the Get It Beauty Zone, sample over 40 scents at the Perfume Bar, and break for a snack in the K-Food Zone. 53 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu"

"Healing Beauty Perhaps the most medically-minded of Korean beauty brands (or at least with packaging and stores that look that way), Mediheal products are said to promote clean and healthy skin, and are supposedly recommended by primary care physicians. The sterile looking location on the Myeongdong shopping street has a hospital-like feel, and the staff is very knowledgeable about caring for skin that is dry, oily or otherwise a problem. Mask sheets come in packaging that resembles capsules or IV bags, and there are other clever gimmicks such as BB cream that comes with what looks like a miniature paint roller—to apply the cream of course. Myeongdong Shopping Street"

"Floral Fantasies Come True in Seoul Celebrity florist Nicolai Bergmann’s famed flower box is the number one seller at his shop in the Four Season’s Seoul . The Danish floral designer’s shop in Tokyo has been dedicated to European and Japanese floral design principals for the last 10 years, and the recently opened shop in Seoul is no exception. Other than the elegant, innovative flower boxes, the shop sells colorful bouquets, as well as luxurious arrangements for birthdays, parties and weddings. The flowers are so beautiful, even if you’re just passing through Seoul, you may be tempted to make a purchase—even if it’s just to decorate your hotel room for the night. The Four Seasons Seoul, 1F, 97 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu"

"Artistic License: Art Box Stationery Store Notebooks and markers and pencils, oh my! Art Box offers a kaleidoscopic array of school supply fun, a favorite among Korean students of all ages. Found in various locations around Seoul , this colorful stationery shop sells everything from greeting cards and clocks to stickers and socks. Stock up on notebooks with quirky Korean sayings or mechanical pencils adorned with your favorite cartoon characters. Just don’t try to shop here on a Saturday—you may be run down by hoards of schoolgirls looking for the latest in Hello Kitty paraphernalia. F-17, COEX Mall, 58, Teheran-ro 87-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul"

"Remember the song “Gangnam Style” by K-pop sensation Psy? It was actually about one of the poshest, most affluent areas of Seoul. Nicknamed Korea’s Beauty Belt, Gangnam is famous for luxury shopping, drawing fashionistas from the city and beyond. Lined with ginkgo trees, Garosu-gil is one of the district’s prettiest streets, featuring an artsy, laid-back vibe that other parts of Gangnam lack. Here, big-box stores coexist with smaller boutiques and designer ateliers. After emptying your wallet, visit the Simone Handbag Museum to peruse the exquisite collection of historic and contemporary bags. Then unwind with a gourmet meal or fancy coffee drink at one of Gangnam’s many chic cafés. And keep your eyes peeled: This is a hot spot for celebrities."

"Seoul World Trade Tower, of Gangnam-Style Fame The COEX Complex in Gangnam is more than just a mall, convention center, and exhibition hall. It’s a few city blocks filled with cool buildings that will thrill those who have a penchant for unique architectural design. Perhaps the most iconic of the buildings in the COEX complex is the 54-story Seoul World Trade Tower. Used as a backdrop in the Gangnam Style music video, the tower is unique for its unusual ridged edge. It’s up to you whether to do a reenactment of the galloping dance while standing in front of the building. To get there, take subway line 2, and exit at Samseong (COEX) station."

"D Cube City: Makes You Feel Like Walking in the Woods Located in southern Seoul at the Sindorim Subway Station is D-Cube City. This retail monolith houses scores of shops and restaurants. There are the ubiquitous H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo, but also trendy Korean labels such as Bean Pole, Codes Combine, and Thursday Island. The food court is especially notable for the traditional Korean food section, where specialties like doenjang jjigae (a soybean stew) and pajeon (a green onion pancake) are served in surroundings meant to resemble a Korean folk village. Be sure to read the many signs and maps posted in English around the mall. My favorite? "D Cube City makes you feel like walking in the woods." 662, Gyeongin-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul"

"mobile fruit market near The East Gate Dongdaemun, the old East Gate of Seoul , has been the site of a market for generations. Today, the double-roofed stone arch no longer marks entry into the city, but the capital's residents still come here to haggle over everything from shoes to plumbing supplies and electronics. Food is not left out of the equation; although large produce markets are not found immediately by the gate, roving merchants wheel seasonal fruit in and around the incessant traffic. As evening rush hour neared, this particular cart was almost empty of its offerings, and the vendor seemed ready for the day to end... To get there by subway: Line 2, exit Dongdaemun Stadium Station, or Line 1 or 4, exit Dongdaemun Station."

"Top Shelf: Assouline Lounge Bookstore In Seoul’s swank Gangnam district, books are the new black. Upscale book publisher Assouline has various concept stores around the globe, with the Gangnam location being the brand’s first foray into Asia. The lounge provides highbrow customers with luxurious art, lifestyle and fashion books, and the elegant space is also a café and gallery. The sumptuously decorated boutique begs you to linger, and it’s hard to say no when cakes, tarts and French wines sing seductively. Jumgyung Building, Sinsadong 631-36, Gangnam-gu, Seoul"

"Seoul Flea Market Seoul's Folk Flea Market is a place where you can buy anything, I mean anything! This scary contraption looks like an invention of a comic book super-villain, but for the small price of 5 dollars you could be tightening those crow's feet and zapping imperfections in no time! Huzzah! This is truly a special market—with more random wingdings than your grandparents' attic. To get to the flea market, head to Sinseoldong Station on the light green line, Line 2. I recommend exit 10. After exiting, execute a U-turn, then walk straight for about 20 feet, take a right and walk straight for 280m. Along the way you will see vendors on the street and signage guiding you to the main building."

"From Soap to Souvenirs in Insadong Tucked away in the heart of downtown Seoul is the quaint Insadong district, where a Korea of yore comes to life in the form of traditional artists and musicians, shops selling Korean crafts and souvenirs, and street performers dressed in native costumes. This is the place to go if you're set on buying the wooden masks, paper lanterns, and tea sets that the country is famous for. Two other stores also stand out from the crowd in Insadong: Gounjae Handcraft can be smelled before you even enter the door. This handmade soap shop, in the small brick courtyard of Ssamji Gil Center, offers sumptuously scented soaps, lotions, and bath products in scents like avocado, ginger, and almond. I love the tiny, traditional mask-shaped soaps that make inexpensive and lightweight souvenirs. The Ee Gee boutique is a veritable treasure chest bursting with glimmering necklaces, bracelets, and other one-of-a-kind baubles–it’s located on Insadong’s main drag."

"Korea puts its own spin on sashimi at the Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market. Bargain for a piece of raw fish ( hoe , pronounced “hway”) amid the lanes of fishmongers, then head upstairs to have one of the in-house restaurants garnish your prize with generous sides of kimchi. susansijang.co.kr . This appeared in the January/February 2014 issue."

"Feed Your Skin Koreans are masters of skin care, and Korean beauty products are sweeping the globe. One of the most popular beauty brands is a label called Skin Food. The brand takes natural ingredients such as celery, broccoli and coconut (basically a salad for your face) and turns them into cleansers, toners, masks and makeup. Add to that colorful packaging, affordable prices and lots of free samples, and you’ve got yourself a must on your shopping itinerary for your trip to Seoul. Skin Food and other beauty stores aren’t hard to find—they can be found in almost every mall, subway station and shopping district of the city."

"In a land infatuated with barbecue and seafood, vegetarians may feel like there’s nothing for them in Korea. Enter Plant, a veganbakery and restaurant that even omnivores will relish. At two locations in Itaewon, the company strives to serve plant-based food that’s wholesome, healthy, comforting, and, most importantly, delicious. Hit the cozy bakery for sweets like cakes, muffins, and cookies (the luscious gingerbread-pumpkin cake is a must-try), or head to the hip restaurant for an international medley of salads, sandwiches, and entrées. If you’re not sure what to order, go for crowd-pleasers like the lentil burrito bowl, avocado burger, or chickpea mash sandwich."

"Not only is the Express Bus Terminal a major transportation hub, it’s also the site of Seoul’s largest underground shopping mall. Attached to the subway station, Goto Mall sprawls for a half-mile and houses more than 600 stores. When visiting, wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a shopping spree. The west end of the mall is a haven for savvy fashionistas seeking inexpensive but trendy Korean clothing and shoes, while the east end features home goods, furniture, and plant stores. After working up an appetite, head to the corridor in the basement of the luxury department store Shinsegae, where there are several gourmet food stalls."

"Shopping at Shinsegae Department stores in Korea have a special kind of glamour, and of the three major players—Lotte, Hyundai and Shinsegae—Shinsegae is the most glamorous. Bursting with designer bags, shoes and clothes, the glittering interiors and constant crowds are a staple on the Seoul shopping curcuit. Make your way through throngs of bustling Seoulites shopping for the perfect perfume in the cosmetics section, or brave the food and wine floor to find a standout vintage. Whatever you decide to shop for, you'll be in good company—Seoulites are known for their consumeristic prowess. Warning: Make sure you fill your wallet before stepping through the shiny revolving doors—the prices are not for the faint of heart."

"Goblin Market The Goblin Market is Seoul’s first flea market; it's been in operation since around the end of the war. The market is huge, with more than 500 booths. Some stalls sell new stuff, while others’ merchandise seems to be the result of attic cleaning. Watch for war souvenirs, watch for watches, watch for what a country saves. A must for the adventurous and serious shopper, it’s by theCheonggyecheonStream, and also goes by the name Hwanghak Dong Flea Market or DokkaebiMarket."

"Tucked Behind the Skyscrapers: Namdaemun Market Among the biggest and most chaotic markets in Korea, Seoul 's Namdaemun Market is the capital's oldest, dating to the 1400s. Today you can find ANYthing here, if you're willing to brave the crowded alleyways tucked in behind skyscrapers: cellphones, fried fish cakes, ginseng liqueurs, bulk stockings, cosmetics, lacquerware, underwear, noodles, squid, seaweed... Street snacks abound, along with the occasional street musician. Watch out for the motorcycle stacked 10 feet high with you-name-it (pantyhose?calculators?), weaving its way through the sea of pedestrians. And don't forget to haggle. To get here via subway: Hoehyon station, Line 4, Exit 5."

"Janganpyeong Antique Market Seoul’s Janganpyeong Antique Market has more than 150 stores, with everything from furniture to fine art. Antique is sometimes loosely defined, but it’s a good place to look for scroll paintings and calligraphy and lacquerware. Need a man-size stone totem pole? This is the place. It gets a bit overwhelming after a while, but every corner hides a surprise. Near the Dapsimni subway station; most shops are closed Sundays."